Wireless & Autonomous Control of Portable, Low-Power Electroluminescent Displays

Electroluminescent (EL) displays exist in a number of forms, the most prevalent being EL wire and EL panels. In either form, the mechanism of operation and functionality is essentially the same: high voltage AC current is passed through opposing conductors on either side of a phosphor substrate, inducing electrophosphorescence and illuminating the device. EL technology is not new, in fact EL panels have been used for years as backlighting elements for LCD displays (seen commonly in older radio sets and cell phones). More recently, the quality of EL products has increased drastically, especially with respect to the brightness and longevity of the devices. In addition to this, the cost of the technology is relatively low, for example: each of the panels in this project cost less than $5. EL panels and wire are bright, colorful, and completely flexible; this has made them popular in the fields of fine and performance arts. Even though they require a high voltage, and relatively high frequency AC source, their power consumption is surprisingly low. Due in large part to the complex driving circuitry required to power the electroluminescent elements, it is still uncommon to see the technology used in low cost, portable applications; where perhaps it is the most stunning. It is the goal of my project to build several, standalone EL panel displays that would respond to a single transmitted signal. Each standalone display will be battery powered and completely portable. The transmitted signal will deliver a response (and ultimately cause the displays to respond) to an audio signal, either voice or music. Another approach is to design each panel to respond to the ambient sound in its immediate vicinity. Both methods will be explored in this project